Rory McIlroy withdraws from BMW PGA Championship

RORY McILROY has withdrawn from the BMW PGA Championship due to a rib injury.

The Northern Irishman returned to Belfast for an MRI on an injured back on Monday ahead of next week’s tournament.

But McIlroy today confirmed he will be out of the tournament at Wentworth, saying: "Having had a reaction to my earlier rib injury, I have been advised to take a conservative approach to my recovery which unfortunately means I have to withdraw from the BMW PGA Championship next week.

"It’s a disappointing decision to have to make, but I have to ensure I make a full recovery.

"I will now continue the process of preparing my game for the US Open and the rest of the season".

He admitted to fears over a niggling injury after competing in last week’s Players Championship in Florida.

“I’ve been struggling with it a bit this week, sort of felt it for the first time on Sunday”, he said previously. “Then I’ve just sort of been managing it since.

“It’s OK, it’s manageable, it’s not, obviously not a hundred per cent but it’s good enough to get myself around here for the next couple of days.

But McIlroy will now have to sit out the tournament at Wentworth as he continues to recover.

Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the European Tour said: "There is no question that Rory will be missed at the BMW PGA Championship but his health is the most important thing and we wish him a speedy recovery."

The Northern Irishman returned to Belfast for an MRI on an injured back on Monday ahead of next week’s tournament.